Lanquín, Guatemala 🇬🇹
#1630
,
Nomad Score:
51%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Lanquín is a small town located in the state of Alta Verapaz, nestled in the heart of Guatemala's mountainous region, known for its stunning natural beauty. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 10,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 15-25 Mbps, but can be slower in some areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 7.75 GTQ. Major banks like Banco G&T Continental and Banco Industrial operate in the area. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; it's recommended to use bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Tigo and Claro are popular providers, with prepaid options widely available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Cash is preferred; international cards accepted at some establishments. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hostels to eco-lodges; Airbnb is also available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Less cashless; cash is the main mode of payment. Some places accept cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are options for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel La Casa de Papel offers beds from $10 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Near Semuc Champey; close proximity to natural attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Accommodation near the river and cafes that offer Wi-Fi are recommended. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Casa del Mundo provides serene settings for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | El Portal provides good coffee and Wi-Fi but can be slow during peak hours. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Look for local expat meetups organized on social media platforms, specifically Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Monthly meetups are held at different places; check local Facebook groups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis; Uber is not available. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycles can be rented from local shops for exploring around. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is approximately 5 hours away at Livingston. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Avianca operates flights to and from Guatemala City. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and United serve international routes. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via CA-9 highway leading to major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Guatemala City is the main hub; local transit to Lanquín is via bus. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus fares vary; generally inexpensive, costing around GTQ 25 ($3 USD) from Cobán to Lanquín. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses run regularly to nearby cities like Cobán and Guatemalan attractions. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Centro de Salud in Lanquín provides basic medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Retreat centers like Samatha offer yoga classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Limited options; outdoor activities are more popular. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats offer services; prices around GTQ 30 ($4 USD). |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Local restaurants offer delivery, but apps like Domicilios.com are available in cities. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Pepian- a traditional chicken stew served with rice. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Café de la Isla offers vegetarian meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Panaderia La Gran Via for cakes and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets for fresh fruits and vegetables. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Walmart Guatemala’s online shop delivers basic groceries in larger towns. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited; most shopping is done in person. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Few bars; socializing happens in communal areas in hostels or guesthouses. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Montecristo Brewery offers local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options; some restaurants serve wine. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer tacos and pupusas which are popular. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Maya Restaurant serves a variety of international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Semuc Champey is the top attraction with stunning turquoise pools. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | No major museums; local art can be found in community galleries. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Mayan ruins can be found in the surrounding areas like Samuc Champey. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Local churches in Lanquín reflect colonial architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Local festivals usually involve traditional music and dance. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The center of Lanquín offers local crafts and food. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited; most cultural events happen in open areas. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Weekly markets set up where local products are sold. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Traditional music is prevalent, along with occasional live performances. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Local murals can be found across town, celebrating culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are available at local guesthouses. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local artists occasionally showcase their work in community spaces. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Churches and colonial-era buildings in the town center. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Focus on Indigenous Mayan culture and traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Explore the lush hills and caves around Lanquín. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Biosfera Maya and Parque Nacional Semuc Champey provide stunning vistas. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Trails in and around Lanquín; bike rentals are available. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador de Semuc Champey offers breathtaking views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Rich biodiversity; best observed around the national park. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain lodges allow bonfires in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Estafeta and DHL offer services in larger towns. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited; major repairs are recommended in Guatemala City. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers occasionally have recreational tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish schools available in town, particularly for tourists. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited; most studying takes place in accommodations. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local cultural centers host events occasionally. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Very limited; gaming is mostly done at personal devices. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Not available in Lanquín; major gaming is found in Guatemala City. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | N/A; housing is mostly rented, with minimal market for studios. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | N/A; not a standard market for buying. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | N/A; rentals are common. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | N/A; typically rented. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | N/A; minimal availability. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | N/A; typical rentals, if available. |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% for businesses registered in Guatemala. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Based on worldwide income; local taxation applies. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 31% for individuals. |
| 🧾 VAT | 12% on goods and services. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes; there are regulations in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% on property sales. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific benefits; standard Guatemalan taxation applies. |